Yes, the Hypex plate amps would be the most straightforward in terms of wires, clutter, etc. Working with their DSP seems to be a hassle to some, but could certainly be learned. I just wonder about the converters and that the amp sections are an older generation compared to what is available now. If Hypex were to update the amps or, even more so, if Purifi released plate amps with their amp modules it would be a no-brainer decision.
@witwald thank you for the sims. I agree that the Wom265_vKi-6 looks very capable in a vented enclosure. So good, that with the much better sensitivity than the PTT10 I almost went with them. In the end, though, I stuck with my plan for sealed. Partly, this is based on the idea of minimizing resonances as much as possible (including no ports), and also based on trying to make the build as "easy" (ha!) as possible, or at least avoiding things like tuning boxes, etc.
My thinking has been that the PTT10 is so linear above the 500Hz XO that the LP crossover shouldn't be too difficult (even for me!). I'm not even sure if notching the breakup will be required as the 5th harmonic of it (going downward) is above the XO frequency. If I get the level at crossover matched to the M74, then the wide baffle will have the baffle step at the Schroeder frequency of the room, 250Hz or so, then below that the room will dominate and I will manage it as part of my overall bass management strategy (the PTT10s and multiple subs, room treatment). My current speakers have ported 12"s tuned relatively high, so I actually anticipate more extension as I calculate that each PTT10 is capable of producing 95db at 20Hz in a sealed enclosure. So if I need a little boost at the very bottom I should be ok.
Thanks again for all the ideas,
Bill
Hypex will be releasing Fusion amps with nCoreX modules next year. That said, any improvements over the old nCore amps are likely inaudible. I am hoping remaining stock of the nCore fusion amps will go on clearance upon the release of the new version
And if Purifi ever make plate amps we will probably not be able to afford them anyway... 😁
The DSP software comes from thinking as a DSP programmer and not speaker controller. And it's not as stable as it should be. But when you have dialed your settings in everything is fine.
The plate amps get updated but not the D/A converters. And these are the limiting factor. Ideally you go digital into these (as any!) DSPs to avoid A/D conversion at pretty low levels and achieve the best dynamic range possible. Then you get about 115dB system dynamic range - that's hard to be topped with any other system and for sure better as every home cinema preamp + power amp.
I have recently heard a few newer and prototype class D amps. I am not sure which part of my varied listening experiences with these amps are derived from personal bias, expectations, mood, etc. Most seem to have great (amazing) command over the bass range. On the other hand, some seem to make the music be "alive" and "vibrant", while others seem sort-of clinical sounding. Nothing really wrong that I can describe. They probably all measure about the same.
Other folks seem to hear slight differences in DACs and such that I don't, but some amp/speaker combinations really seem to make the music more attractive to me than others. The few new/prototype amps I have heard were all played through the same speakers---some 12" ported Harbeths.
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